The Symptoms of Exposure to the Ammonia in Cat Urine

Keeping cats in your home brings entertainment and life to your household. Unfortunately, it also brings cat urine into your household. Frequent litter box maintenance as well as house cleaning is required to minimize your exposure to cat urine. If cat urine in your household gets out of control, you may experience negative side effects due to the ammonia it contains.

Respiratory Problems

• The ammonia in cat urine causes damage to the respiratory system when breathed in regularly. The ammonia gas is corrosive to the nose, airways and lungs. Exposure to cat urine may trigger asthma attacks, rhinitis, bronchitis and laryngitis. Other problems from inhaling cat urine include coughing, phlegm, wheezing and loss of sense of smell.

Eye Problems

• Exposure to cat urine causes a burning sensation in the eyes. The eyes may water, sting and even become red and irritated. Long-term exposure to high levels of ammonia in cat urine may even cause temporary blindness and permanent eye damage.

Skin Irritation

• Skin irritation occurs with long-term exposure to cat urine. The skin may even become infected if cat urine enters an open wound or if the skin is in contact with cat urine on a regular basis. Skin contact with cat urine may cause burns.